Eagles-Texans Injury Report: Darren Sproles, Jason Kelce ruled probable

The Philadelphia Eagles have released their final injury report in preparation of their Week 9 game against the Houston Texans.

The good news for the Eagles is that no players have been ruled out. Two players are questionable, however.

One of those players is starting safety Nate Allen. Allen suffered a hamstring injury during the team's Week 8 game against the Arizona Cardinals. According to the team's injury report, Allen did not practice this week at all. If Allen can't play or is restricted to a limited role, expect second-year safety Earl Wollf to step in for the veteran. Allen has indicated that Wolff is taking most of the first team repetitions in his absence. Head coach Chip Kelly noted that Chris Maragos and rookie defensive back Jaylen Watkins may also be in the mix at safety.

Veteran wide receiver and special teams contributor Brad Smith is also questionable. Smith has been out since Week 6 after having surgery on a groin injury. If Smith can't suit up, Jeff Maehl will likely take his place. Tight end James Casey will serve as the team's emergency quarterback if Smith is out.

All other Eagles players have been ruled probable or better. This includes Brandon Boykin, who was limited in practice on Thursday due to a hamstring injury.

Veteran running back Darren Sproles is expected to return to the field this week. Sproles should serve as a big boost not only to the Eagles offense but also to the team's punt return unit.

Starting center Jason Kelce will likely return to action on Sunday. Kelce has been out since Week 3 due to a sports hernia injury. Kelce's return to the Eagles offense is significant. Not only is he important as a blocker but he's responsible for making the calls up front. Kelce serves as a significant upgrade over backup center David Molk.

Starting right guard Todd Herremans is probable despite having suffered a torn biceps injury last week. Herremans is going to try to play through the pain but it remains to be seen how effective he will be.

Tight end Brent Celek is listed as probable despite being limited in practice on Thursday due to a back issue.

Philadelphia Eagles Injury Report (Friday)

Questionable

S Nate Allen (hamstring)
WR Brad Smith (groin)

Probable

CB Brandon Boykin (hamstring)
OG Todd Herremans (biceps)
C Jason Kelce (hernia)
ILB Mychal Kendricks (calf)
ILB DeMeco Ryans (groin)
RB Darren Sproles (knee)
CB Jaylen Watkins (wrist)
WR Jeff Maehl (foot)
TE Brent Celek (back)

*OG Evan Mathis (knee)

*Note that Mathis is not eligible to return to the active roster until Week 10.

Eagles injury reports: Wednesday | Thursday

Houston Texans Injury Report (Friday)

Only one players has been ruled out for the Texans: inside linebacker Jeff Tarpinian. Rookie outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney has been ruled questionable and will likely be a game-time decision due to an illness.

OUT

ILB Jeff Tarpinian (knee)

Questionable

OLB Jadeveon Clowney (knee/illness)
ILB Brian Cushing (knee)
CB Darryl Morris (ankle)

Probable

DE Tim Jamison (groin)
OLB Whitney Mercilus (shoulder)
CB Jumal Rolle (wrist)
OLB Brooks Reed (groin)
RB Arian Foster (knee)
WR Andre Johnson (ankle)
CB Johnathan Joseph (knee)
RB Alfred Blue (ankle)
OLB John Simon (ankle)